ABOUT THE FOUNDERS OF AS THE ROMANS DO

A dozen years ago Diane and Alan Epstein were finally ready to realize a dream. They bid goodbye to their California life, and with two small children in tow, packed their bags and moved to Italy. Although ready for an adventure, they could never have imagined the extraordinary, life-altering experiences that were in store for them in the Eternal City of Rome. The splendor of the magnificent and ancient metropolis, the legendary food, the charming people, along with the everyday pleasures of la dolce vita awaited them, but also the challenges of life in a completely foreign culture, which made their experience of living As the Romans Do that much deeper. Each with his or her own unique perspective, Alan with his deep historical knowledge and literary background combined with a passion for modern day events, and Diane with her wide-ranging experience in photography, culinary arts and life coaching -- along with a great dose of persistence and imagination -- made their Italian dream a reality. Watching their sons become more and more Roman with each passing year, they continue to embrace the culture, the art, the beauty, the history, the cuisine, the all-encompassing sensuality. For them, one of life's greatest pleasures is sharing their Italian experience with others who are looking to follow their dreams and broaden their horizons.

Alan Epstein holds a Ph.D. in European history from New York University and is a successful author, motivational speaker, and expert on Italian life and culture. He is the founder of As the Romans Do, an association that offers corporate and private escorted tours, special events, team building activities and presentations and retreats in Rome and Italy. He has reported on Italian life since 1995 and is a regular Europe correspondent for American radio and T.V. His previous books include the bestselling, "How to Be Happier Day By Day", "How to Have More Love in Your Life", and "Anything Is Possible". Following the cumulative advice of his own writings, he now lives happily with his family in the heart of Rome, and is the author of the bestselling book, "As the Romans Do: An American Family's Italian Odyssey," which was featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Alan has been profiled in national and international magazines, has appeared in TV programs and documentaries, is sought after as a keynote speaker and guest on national and international radio, and is known for his infectious humor, inspirational style, and depth of knowledge.

Diane Epstein, M.A, is the Culinary and Creative Director of As the Romans Do and has been fully immersed in Italian culture since 1995. She is a travel and fine art photographer and offers culinary and photo excursions in Rome and nearby hill towns, where she takes visitors to the outdoor markets, piazzas, and hidden treasures, bringing to life the ancient beauty, incredible food and culture of Italy. Diane is a life coach and masters level counselor and conducts workshops, seminars and retreats in Rome and Italy. She has been assisting individuals and groups with their personal and work related matters for more than 25 years, helping them to clarify and reach goals and make greater use of their creative potential. Some of her corporate clients include Toyota, the Boston Group, Swiss Re Insurance and Lagostina. Diane has been featured in national and international magazines and TV, including Redbook, Bon Appetit, (May, 2005 issue as the best cooking class in Rome), and the Oprah Winfrey show, "Choosing Your Life."